Sharon Lynn Pauke-Hanko

Sharon Lynn Pauke-Hanko, 58, of Rhinelander, died on Thursday May 22, 2025 at the Ministry Medical Center in Weston. She was born on March 2, 1967 to Henry and Patricia (Bigalke) Pauke in Newport News, Va.

Sharon grew up in a military family and because of that, moved many times in her childhood, including California and Germany. She eventually made it to Rhinelander where she attended Rhinelander High School and graduated in 1985. After high school she traveled around, finding herself in Utah, where she gave birth to her first three children. She and her family moved back to Rhinelander, where she attended Nicolet College and was employed later by Headwaters in Rhinelander as a CNA.

Sharon loved to garden, craft, cook, and loved all of her animals. Her favorite artists included Stevie Knicks and Elton John. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her husband James, daughters Emma Wilcox-Pauke, Xena Severt, Xandria Pauke, son Xavier Pauke, step-daughters Kayla and Valerie Hanko, Bridgette Kruitbosch, grandchildren Lilly, Blake, Dante, Harley, Maci, Ryder, and Archer (who is on the way), brothers Charles Pauke, Henry Pauke, and William Pauke, friend of 50 years Chick Barnes, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and step-mother Carolyn Reinke.

A memorial service for Sharon will be held on Thursday, June 12 at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Father Kris Kemp officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is handling the arrangements for the family.